DOWNLOAD

BACH – Prelude in D Minor (orig. Bb minor) – FOUR CELLOS AND OPTIONAL DOUBLE BASS

Other Identification:
The title of Bach’s ‘Well-Tempered Clavier’ refers to the new system of tuning keyboard instruments that had been developed to make it possible to play in all 24 major and minor keys, something which hitherto had been impossible with “mean-tone” tuning. he could therefore use all major and minor keys to present a systematic, state-of-the-art compendium of the fugue form, which was then at the very peak of its development. Bach compiled the first part of his Well-Tempered Clavier in 1722; this was near the end of the period he spent in the service of Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen – an essentially happy time for Bach, but marred by the sudden death of his first wife in 1720.

When the second part of The Well-Tempered Clavier was completed in 1744 – comprising another 24 fugues together with introductory preludes – Bach had already been in Leipzig for more than 20 years and the fugue was no longer in vogue, as music was turning more towards other tendencies: rococo music, stylo elegante and the seeds of the new classicism. This second part of his work is certainly a historical document showing the perfection of the great composer’s contrapuntal level.

Movements or sections:
The Prelude in D minor was originally in Bb minor (BWV 867) and is taken from Book I of ‘Das Wohltemperirte Klavier’ No.22. It is here transcribed by David Johnstone for FOUR CELLOS or for larger cello ensemble – with an optional double bass part for quintet performances alongside cello quartet.

Performance Notes – important to take into consideration: ** in Cello Quartet performances (4 solo cellos), the Cello 4 player ALWAYS plays the UPPER voice when divisi approaches. The music will be heard complete in this way. ** When performances are given by a quintet (4 cellos and 1 double bass), likewise, the Cello 4 player ALWAYS plays the UPPER voice when divisi approaches, and the double bassist, with his/her own part will play the lower divisis. ** In a cello orchestra or a large cello ensemble Cello 4 is to be played divisi, but with a little LESS than half the players playing the LOWER voice. The Double Bass part may again be added at pleasure (but not too many basses for the overall balance please!).

Instrumentation:
Three possibilities for performances:
1 – A quartet of Four Cellos
2 – A Cello Quartet with a Double Bass player to make a Quintet
3 – A multi-Cello Orchestra (which may include Double Bass or Double Basses)

This music is contained in THREE PDFs.

Approximate difficulty:
Medium all parts

Go back to this section and continue searching for more music

Go to COLLECTION POINT to receive all selected items

Poster of Johnstone-Music

Who plays Johnstone-Music?

Johnstone Music has been performed by orchestras and conservatories worldwide, earning international recognition in cello repertoire.

Free sheet music

Instantly download a wide variety of scores – from cello solos and chamber works to orchestral parts and educational material